Healthcare, Insurance & Immunizations
Essential information on healthcare requirements, insurance options, and resources for international students, scholars, and their dependents
Introduction to U.S. Healthcare
Healthcare and health insurance are important aspects of your life here and require careful thought and planning. US government regulations require you to maintain adequate health insurance for yourself and your dependents.
- In the case of F-1 students, this is part of your general obligation to demonstrate financial ability to meet all of the costs of your stay at Penn.
- In the case of J-1 Students, Scholars and Exchange Visitors, this obligation is a mandatory part of maintaining your status.
- For more details, please see below:
- The cost of health care in the US is extremely high, often over $2,500 per day in some hospitals (covering room and board only).
- International students and scholars are not eligible for financial assistance from Penn or the U.S. government to pay medical bills.
- In Philadelphia, you can feel confident about the quality of care you will receive. It is one of the top cities in the U.S. for medical care. There are many excellent hospitals and teaching institutions here, among them the hospitals of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS).
- The policies of Penn require that all students and scholars and accompanying family members have adequate health insurance coverage.
- Prior to departure, new students and scholars should also purchase travel insurance that will cover any medical expenses that may be incurred en route or in the early days of their stay in the US.
- Individuals who are resident aliens for tax purposes are subject to the individual mandate of the Affordable Care Act. For more information, please see: www.nafsa.org/aca (free sign-up required)
Medical Insurance
Student Healthcare and Insurance Requirements
- Wellness at Penn’s Student Health and Counseling teams provide outpatient care for all students on campus.
- Access to Student Health and Counseling’s services are provided through Penn’s Clinical Fee. All full-time students, including those who are enrolled in the Penn Student Insurance Plan (PSIP), will be charged the Clinical Fee. All students, including those who do not enroll in the Penn Student Insurance Plan (PSIP), will be charged a clinical fee each semester. Emergency and specialty care is provided by the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP). Spouses and partners of students may use the services of Student Health and Counseling on a fee-for-service basis. Care for young children is available at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, located beside HUP.
- Penn requires that all full-time students obtain comprehensive health insurance coverage that meets certain standards. This will ensure that they are also covered for emergency care, hospitalization, or special services not covered by Student Health and Counseling. Penn sponsors a student plan which is strongly recommended, called the Penn Student Insurance Plan (PSIP). However, if an individual already has a plan that meets the requirements, they may submit a waiver. Please visit the Insurance Requirements page for details and review the list of considerations in choosing a health care policy.
Immunizations
The University of Pennsylvania requires all students to be compliant with the immunization requirements. Failure to meet these requirements will result in denial of student registration privileges. All students must submit their immunization information into their secure Wellness Portal.
Learn more about the University’s Immunization Requirements.
Scholar Healthcare and Insurance Requirements
Scholars with salaried appointments at Penn should contact their academic departments to determine what arrangements, if any, have been made for health insurance. Scholars who do not receive a salary from Penn can obtain information on medical insurance provided by companies that specialize in protecting international visitors on educational exchange programs from ISSS. ISSS cannot advise about health insurance policies but can provide brochures and contact information. Scholars who purchase insurance policies in the home country to cover a stay in the U.S., or those are sponsored by an organization that is providing health insurance, should make certain that their coverage meets the minimum requirements described below. All scholars with health insurance not covered by Penn should bring documents describing their coverage and claims procedures.
J-1 Mandatory Coverage Requirement
J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to have health insurance during the entirety of their stay. Willful failure to comply with these insurance requirements will result in termination of the Exchange Visitor’s program. Insurance coverage must meet the following criteria:
- Minimum Medical Coverage: At least $100,000 per accident or illness.
- Medical Evacuation: Must be covered for at least $50,000.
- Repatriation of Remains: Must be covered for at least $25,000.
- Deductible Limit: Cannot exceed $500 per accident or illness.
- Coinsurance: Cannot exceed 25% of covered expenses.
- Insurance Provider Standards: Must be rated at least A- or backed by the home government.
- Pre-existing Conditions (for stays over 12 months):
- Must be covered, with a reasonable waiting period as defined by the insurance provider.
- If coverage is a set limit, it must be equivalent to standard illness coverage.
Many, but not all, University student, postdoctoral researcher, and employee health insurance policies meet or exceed these requirements. The J-1 Exchange Visitors should check their plan for the specific coverage it offers – particularly with regard to medical evacuation and repatriation – and purchase supplementary insurance if necessary.
Choosing a Medical Insurance Policy
The costs of medical insurance vary according to the type of coverage provided and whether coverage for dependents is requested. Dental care is generally not included in a medical insurance plan, nor are prescriptions, eye examinations or eyeglasses. Individuals may choose to purchase additional coverage for dental care and vision.
When choosing health insurance, it is important to understand the insurance policy on the following points:
- Does it cover medical expenses incurred in the US?
- Does it pay all or nearly all medical costs? Many plans will require the policy holder to pay a percentage of the costs, referred to as “co-payment.”
- Does it have a “cap,” meaning a limit to total payments or payments per day or per year?
- Does it have a “deductible,” meaning the amount that the policy holder must pay before the insurance starts paying?
- Does it exclude “pre-existing conditions”? Some insurance policies will not cover medical care expenses for medical conditions that you had before getting the insurance. Pregnancy is often viewed as a pre-existing condition.
- Does it have maternity coverage? If so, what kind?
- Does it cover accompanying family members?
- Does it remain in effect during the individual’s entire stay in the United States?
- Does the company provide a policy identification card that one can carry as proof of insurance?
- How does the insurance company’s payment system work?
Information on health insurance companies and policy options can be found below.
Compass Benefits Group
Telephone: 1-800-683-1468
Email: info@studenthealthusa.com
T.W. Lord & Associates
25 Dodd St. P.O. Box 1185
Marietta, GA 30061
Telephone: 1-800-633-2360 or 1-770-427-2461
Fax: 770-429-0638
ISO Student Health Insurance
Navigating the U.S. Healthcare System
View the topics below to learn more about healthcare in the US, where to seek medical care, what to expect at the doctor’s office, mental wellness, and dental care.
Things you should know
- The U.S. health system is privately funded, not government sponsored.
- Payment is the responsibility of the individual, with or without health insurance.
- Some doctors providing services at a hospital may bill the patient separately.
- Payment is usually expected at the time the care is given, therefore you should always check that your insurance will cover the treatment before it is given.
- You are responsible for seeing that bills are submitted and that claims forms (used to request payment from the insurance company) are properly completed.
- The reimbursement process takes time and incomplete forms can cause further delays.
- Copies of all bills and papers should be kept for at least one year.
- It is appropriate to seek an opinion about your case from a second doctor before deciding on a course of treatment.
- Be aware of your own health needs and background. Keep copies of your past medical records with you. It is very helpful, for example, to tell the doctor which medications you have taken in the past.
- It is appropriate to ask questions about your condition and your treatment. Take a friend to the doctor’s office with you to translate or help with forms if you feel that will help.
Quick Health Links
Wellness at Penn’s Student Health and Counseling
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Counseling: 3624 Market Street, First Floor West
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-746-WELL (9355)
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pa. 19104
Main Number: 215-590-1000
Physician Referral Service: 1-800-879-2467
Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 19104
215-662-4000
University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS)
Tel: 215-898-8965
Dental Care Center
Tel: 800-789-PENN
Where to Go for Medical Care
If you feel sick do not hesitate to get help – even if you are nervous and have never seen a doctor outside your own country. The longer you wait, the greater risk you run for developing a serious problem from what may have been minor and easy to treat. Unless you have a real emergency, such as uncontrolled bleeding or a broken bone, do not go to a hospital emergency room for treatment. Emergency rooms can be very expensive and, non-life-threatening conditions may require extended waiting periods. For non-emergency care, urgent care centers or Student Health Services may be more convenient and cost-effective.
All full-time students at Penn may use seek care at Student Health and Counseling. If it’s a true medical emergency, students should seek care the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP). If you are taking a minimum of three courses per semester (or are on dissertation status), the services provided through Student Health and Counseling are covered by the mandatory Clinical Fee. Only part-time students, students abroad, and students on a leave of absence are exempt from the Clinical Fee. Spouses of students can use the service on a fee-per-visit basis with guest ID. Children, however, should receive care at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia located beside the HUP.
For emergencies call 911 for assistance. For minor emergencies outside regular office hours, go to the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania Emergency Room.
Scholars and families of scholars are not eligible to use Student Health and Counseling services. You can call the University of Pennsylvania Health System at 1-800-789-PENN to obtain a directory of Penn primary care physicians or you may want to get references from friends and colleagues.
Choosing a Doctor
- Personal Preferences: Consider factors such as gender, age, and experience when selecting a doctor. Feel free to express your preferences, even if not directly asked.
- Consistent Care: Staying with the same clinic allows healthcare providers to understand your medical history, leading to more personalized and effective care.
What to Expect When Seeing a Doctor
Most clinics in the U.S. are staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners (registered nurses qualified to evaluate, diagnose, and treat many common conditions), midwives (registered nurses specializing in prenatal and childbirth practice), registered nurses, and a variety of health care workers. You may not see a physician when you first seek medical care. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, you may receive care immediately, later the same day, or the next day. You may be offered a choice of doctors or health-care providers.
- Brief Appointments: Time with doctors or nurses may feel short, with limited conversation.
- Thorough Questioning: Providers will ask many questions, some of which may seem unnecessary or personal, but answering fully helps ensure proper care.
- Efficient Approach: The process may feel direct or impersonal, but health care providers aim to be thorough and effective.
- Patient Involvement: It is encouraged and expected that you ask questions about your health, diagnosis, treatment, and costs.
American-trained physicians generally expect their patients to participate actively in making decisions about medications and treatment choices. If you ever have difficulty understanding anything about your medical status or treatment, ask for clarification. You can ask workers to talk more slowly, to repeat, or to write something down. If you think you will need a translator, ask when you make your appointment if someone can assist you, or ask a friend to accompany you.
Mental Health
- Seeking Help is Normal: Many international students and scholars may feel unsure about reaching out for mental health support. You may not have needed to speak with a psychologist, psychiatric social worker, or psychiatrist before, and the idea of doing so might feel unfamiliar. Mental health professionals support a wide range of concerns, not just severe conditions. Seeking help is a sign of strength and self-care.
- You’re Not Alone: If you ever need support, Penn offers confidential mental health resources to help you navigate challenges.
It is not uncommon in the U.S., however, for people with emotional problems to seek professional help. As you are far from home and lacking the usual support system of family and friends, you may find it helpful to consult a mental health professional when dealing with issues of adjustment, depression, strain or stress. The process will be completely confidential.
Students may also make an appointment for a counseling session which is part of Wellness at Penn.
Visiting scholars and their families can contact the Employee Assistance Program for short-term professional assistance, 888-321-4433
As a student, you may wish to contact the Reach-a-Peer Helpline. It is a peer support telephone service, 215-573-2RAP, established for Penn students by providing information, peer support and referrals. The Line is open (Mon-Fri 9pm-1am, during the academic year) to all students who wish to share a problem, need information or just want someone to talk to. It is a confidential, anonymous, and free phone service. Student active listeners can provide callers with their objective, undivided attention. However, RAP-Line is not a professional crisis hotline.
Dental Care
You can obtain quality dental care at a reasonable price from Penn’s Dental School. You will be treated by advanced dental students working under the supervision of professors. You can also visit the Dental Care Center, 215-898-8965, which is the practice of Penn faculty members.